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Related Experiment Videos

Abdominal retained surgical sponges: CT appearance.

A Kalovidouris1, D Kehagias, L Moulopoulos

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Athens, Areteion Hospital, 76 Vas. Sophias Av., GR-115 28 Athens, Greece.

European Radiology
|August 25, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Retained surgical sponges are rare complications. Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosis, though imaging findings vary and can mimic other conditions like abscesses or hematomas.

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Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Surgical Complications
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Retained surgical sponges are infrequent but can lead to aseptic or exudative reactions with non-specific symptoms.
  • Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to prevent patient morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the imaging characteristics of retained surgical sponges on computed tomography (CT).
  • To highlight the diagnostic utility and challenges of CT in identifying retained sponges.

Main Methods:

  • Review of imaging findings associated with retained surgical sponges.
  • Analysis of computed tomography (CT) appearances, including density, pattern, and calcification.

Main Results:

  • Computed tomography (CT) is highly effective for detecting retained surgical sponges.

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  • Imaging findings are variable, including low-density, high-density, or complex masses; the characteristic spongiform pattern due to air trapping is uncommon.
  • Radiopaque markers are unreliable; differentiation from abscess and hematoma can be challenging.

    • Conclusions:

    • Computed tomography (CT) plays a vital role in the diagnosis of retained surgical sponges.
    • Understanding the diverse imaging manifestations is key to accurate diagnosis, despite potential mimicry of other intra-abdominal pathologies.